The celebration of New Year’s eve is one of humanity’s oldest holiday tradition, dating all the way back to the ancient Babylonians about 4000 years ago.
In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon after the Vernal Equinox which was used to indicate the first day of spring; they called their new years rêš šattim, 'beginning of the year'.. and it was tied closely to their planting time. They also had one heck of a celebration—lasting 11 days to be exact. Each day represented a ritualistic step in integration with their main diety, Marduk. Babylonians apparently sang all types of songs throughout their festivities – one of which was a fairly hot love song to their goddess of sexuality and love, Ištar.
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